Assisted by family, friends and BWCT staff, Stuart will be collecting food and clothing at locations across Middlebrook Retail Park to distribute to Bolton based charities assisting those in need of emergency accommodation and /or food parcels and helping to build supplies for local Food Banks.
A collection point for both food and clothing will be open at ASDA on Middlebrook from 08.30am until 2.00pm and also at Tesco Middlebrook from 08.30am until 12noon where food and clothes can also be donated.
From 12.30pm until 2.45pm there will be a collection point inside the foyer of the Premier Suite at the Reebok Stadium for fans to drop off their donations ahead of kick-off. Only clothing items can be accepted from this point.
Speaking about Holden’s Gifts of Hope, Stuart said:
“The idea to hold a food and clothing drive ahead of Christmas came about from chats with my brother Euan and girlfriend Karalyn about how we wanted to do something to help people in the local area who might be struggling at this time of year.
“We’ve teamed up with BWCT who have helped us to identify three local organisations - Bolton Young People’s Housing Scheme, Urban Outreach and Farnworth & Kearsley Food Bank – who work tirelessly throughout all seasons to assist people from all ages and backgrounds who find themselves in need of help due to homelessness, domestic abuse, financial difficulties and other issues.
“I have had great support from the players and the Club and it would be great to get as many Bolton fans and shoppers down to come and visit us at any one of our three collection points on Saturday and help us to help others whether this be with unwanted clothing or food items.”
Holden’s Gifts of Hope will be collecting any clothing for both males and females of any age as well as food items at both ASDA and Tesco. All food items are welcomed, in particular, non-perishable and in-date food which can be added to emergency food banks that will be delivered in the run up to Christmas.
Stuart will be working at each collection point at the following times*:
- Tesco 11am-12noon
- ASDA Middlebrook 12.05pm-1.05pm
- Premier Suite, Reebok Stadium 1.15pm-2.15pm
Ian Laithwaite, Head of BWCT said: “It is great to be partnering up with Stuart in bringing some benefit for the people of Bolton. Christmas can be a difficult time of year especially within the current times of austerity and to be able to donate vital food and clothing to local community groups as this time is a worthy and seasonal cause.
“Bolton as a town, with the support of the Council, has been working hard across it’s partnerships to respond to the needs of people at this time and to the real problems people are facing. Both the BWCT and BWFC is playing its part in addressing these social issues”
Dave Bagley from Urban Outreach who is helping to co-ordinate a Bolton response to those in need said: “Stuart has once again captured the heart of Bolton - "together we are stronger". The Bolton family is the best in the country at standing together and supporting one another.
“I am grateful to Stuart, his family, friends, and BWCT staff for their support. These acts of kindness truly reflect the Season of Goodwill. This will make a huge difference in people's lives.”
For more information on the three charities to benefit from Holden’s Gifts of Hope visit:
- Bolton Young People’s Housing Scheme – http://www.byphs.org.uk
- Urban Outreach – http://urbanoutreach.co.uk
- Farnworth & Kearsley Food Bank – http://farnworthkearsley.foodbank.org.uk
*Approximate timings